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The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Former Champion's Response

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Police Findings

The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medic."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.